American Film Market 2024: Beta Cinema unveiled two films ahead of the event

The company will showcase "The Phyisician II," the sequel to 2013 historical epic, and "Let it Rain," for which it will take on international sales.

29 OCT 2024

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Beta Cinema announced two additions to its raft of projects for the upcoming American Film Market. The company will showcase "The Physician II," a grand sequel to the international hit "The Physician" (2013), and "Let it Rain," the latest work by Swedish director Hannes Holm.

"The Physician II" brings together an elite production team and cast, promising to expand the story that first captivated audiences globally. The 2013 original reached over 60 territories and drew in $42 million in Germany alone. Directed by Philipp Stölzl ("North Face"), this sequel follows the saga of Rob Cole, a physician from the 11th century, portrayed once again by Tom Payne. As Rob returns to London, his commitment to bringing advanced medical knowledge clashes with the political turmoil of the royal court, placing him in a fight for both his professional and spiritual integrity.

“Coming back to ‘The Physician’ after ten years has been a wonderful and intense experience," Stölzl shared. "It felt like a homecoming to familiar characters, while also revealing how my perspective has matured as an artist." Producer Wolf Bauer added: “‘The Physician’ story continues to unfold, offering another epic cinematic journey. Rob Cole’s latest trials against intolerance and royal intrigues invite audiences into an intense narrative.”

Also featuring an ensemble cast including Emily Cox, Aidan Gillen, and Liam Cunningham, "The Physician II" will release in German theaters on December 25, 2025, with Constantin Film managing the German release and Beta Cinema handling international sales. This ambitious production was made possible with contributions from Beta, Amazon, ZDF, and various German film funding organizations.

Alongside "The Physician II", Beta Cinema will present Hannes Holm's "Let it Rain," a heartwarming and humorous exploration of human nature set against a small Swedish town. Known for his Oscar-nominated hit "A Man Called Ove," Holm captures the unique quirks and warmth of a community awaiting a much-needed rainfall. The film stars Robert Gustafsson as Ingmar, a widower grappling with loneliness and an estranged relationship with his daughter amidst one of Sweden’s hottest summers on record. Co-written with Jonas Karlsson and based on Karlsson’s novel "Regnmannen," the film uses this dry spell as a metaphor for emotional drought and redemption.

Holm explained: “When I first read ‘Regnmannen,’ I was struck by its touching exploration of how we behave when life surprises us. ‘Let it Rain’ captures that inexplicable magic of collective hope and humanity.” Producer Patrick Ryborn highlighted the production’s goal of delivering "high-quality films that resonate widely. With Gustafsson, Karlsson, and Holm on board, we are sure this film will connect with a vast audience.”

Thorsten Ritter, EVP at Beta Cinema, noted: “‘Let it Rain’ will be a cinematic marvel, balancing humor and drama. This is unapologetically larger-than-life storytelling that will inspire and entertain." Set for a Scandinavian release in late 2025 through Nordisk Film, "Let it Rain" wrapped filming in September and now enters post-production.